DFITX vs. VGRNX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFITX (DFA International Real Estate Securities) and VGRNX (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, DFITX returned 2.20%/yr vs 2.68%/yr for VGRNX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFITX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VGRNX.

Performance

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFITX achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly higher than VGRNX's -2.83% return. Over the past 10 years, DFITX has underperformed VGRNX with an annualized return of 2.20%, while VGRNX has yielded a comparatively higher 2.68% annualized return.

DFITX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 6M: -1.58%
• 1Y: 4.38%
• 3Y*: 8.34%
• 5Y*: -0.88%
• 10Y*: 2.20%

VGRNX

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -2.44%
• YTD: -2.83%
• 6M: -2.98%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: 9.02%
• 5Y*: -1.52%
• 10Y*: 2.68%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	-1.32%	24.65%	-7.70%	5.96%	-21.73%	12.81%	-9.02%	23.61%	-6.93%	15.38%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	-2.83%	22.02%	-2.40%	6.35%	-22.47%	5.63%	-6.90%	21.50%	-9.54%	26.55%

Correlation

The correlation between DFITX and VGRNX is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2010	0.89

The correlation between DFITX and VGRNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFITX vs. VGRNX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DFITX

DFITX Risk / Return Rank: 6
DFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VGRNX

VGRNX Risk / Return Rank: 5
VGRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
VGRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DFITX	VGRNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.45	0.37	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.74	0.62	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.07	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.45	0.32	+0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.39	0.86	+0.53

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFITX Sharpe Ratio is 0.45, which is comparable to the VGRNX Sharpe Ratio of 0.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFITX and VGRNX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFITX drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, which is greater than VGRNX's maximum drawdown of -38.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFITX and VGRNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFITX	VGRNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-38.77%	-34.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-14.35%	+2.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-15.82%	-2.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	-34.80%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.26%	-38.77%	-6.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.97%	-11.96%	+3.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.06%	-10.71%	-7.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.96%	5.29%	-1.33%

Volatility

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Volatility Comparison

DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) have volatilities of 3.73% and 3.71%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFITX	VGRNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.73%	3.71%	+0.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.02%	10.52%	-0.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.22%	12.34%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.06%	14.02%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.46%	14.78%	+1.68%

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFITX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than VGRNX's 0.11% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFITX vs. VGRNX - Dividend Comparison

DFITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.76%, more than VGRNX's 4.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	6.76%	6.67%	6.24%	5.05%	0.00%	7.86%	0.00%	12.86%	5.99%	4.21%	8.62%	1.79%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.84%	4.71%	5.21%	3.76%	0.58%	6.50%	0.94%	7.81%	4.64%	3.87%	5.19%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFITX and VGRNX in my portfolio?

DFITX and VGRNX have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFITX or VGRNX?

DFITX has higher volatility (3.73%) compared to VGRNX (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFITX dropped -73.49% vs VGRNX's -38.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFITX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.45 vs 0.37), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.